The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) today formally announced the 2008 winners of the 16th annual Texas Environmental Excellence Awards. The awards were given to 11 innovative projects and people across the state that demonstrate positive effects on air, water, and land resources.

Among this year's award recipients are a restoration project that has brought a desolate South Texas wetlands back to life; a city that is collecting recyclable waste, composting it, and then selling it back to area farmers; a cabinet maker that invested $6 million to be able to use environmentally friendly wood finishes; and a small North Texas woman whose volunteer efforts have made a big impact on the environment. This year also marks the second presentation of the Gregg A. Cooke Memorial Award for Exceptional Environmental Excellence, created to honor individuals who display passion, innovation, and persistence for protecting the environment. Gregg Cooke, a former regional administrator for the Environmental Protection Agency in Dallas, was known for his tireless and innovative efforts to make Texas a healthier place to live. Cooke passed away in September 2006 at the age of 51.

Recommended by a Blue Ribbon Committee of environmental experts from public and private industry, the TEEA awards honor individuals, businesses, and organizations that have created successful programs that conserve natural resources, reduce waste, and prevent pollution. Created by the Texas Legislature in 1993, the awards program reflects the goals of the TCEQ itself: to protect Texas human and natural resources and ensure clean air, clean water, and the safe management of waste.

"We are proud to recognize these individuals and organizations," said TCEQ Chairman Buddy Garcia. "Their efforts will lead to a cleaner, more environmentally friendly Texas."

"These award winners have gone above and beyond the call," said TCEQ Commissioner Larry R. Soward. "They have demonstrated a real commitment to the people of our great state and its resources."

"Texas is fortunate to have these world-class awardees," said TCEQ Commissioner Bryan Shaw. "It is a pleasure to give them this recognition, but their real award will be in realizing that their efforts have made our state a better place to live."

The commissioners of the TCEQ will present the awards at the annual awards banquet on Wednesday, April 30, 2008, at the Austin Convention Center as part of the TCEQ Environmental Trade Fair and Conference.

Following are the 2008 Texas Environmental Excellence Award winners. For more information on the TCEQ awards program, as well as to submit an application for next year's awards, visit the Texas Environmental Excellence Award Web site (www.teea.org ). For information on winners, click on links or visit www.tceq.state.tx.us/goto/winners.html.

2008 Texas Environmental Excellence Award Winners:

AUSTIN
Eco Box
(Category: Small Business)

AUSTIN
University of Texas
(Category: Large Business/Nontechnical)

BROWNSVILLE
Bahia Grande Restoration Partnership
(Category: Civic/Nonprofit)

BRYAN
Kent Moore Cabinets, Ltd.
(Category: Large Business/Technical)

COLLEGE STATION
Texas Water Resources Institute
(Category: Agriculture)

DALLAS
Texas Instruments Inc. and Matros Technologies Inc.
(Category: Innovative Technology)

GRAND PRAIRIE
Mrs. Ruthe Jackson
(Category: Individual)

CITY OF MCCALLEN
Recycling Center
(Category: Government)

RICHLAND HILLS
Mrs. Ruby Dillon
(Category: Individual)

SAN ANTONIO
Chance and Josh Ruder
(Category: Youth)

UVALDE
Nueces River Authority
(Category: Education)